QUESTION
What is the punishment for a first time theft?
Asked on Dec 20th, 2012 on Criminal Law - Louisiana
More details to this question:
I am 23 years old. I stole a jacket for $95. I live in the US just for 3 months and I am a student in a University. I have income and I have been working in a hotel for two months.
7 ANSWERS
Potential penalty is $1,000 fine and up to 1 year in jail. You need to hire an attorney to negotiate a plea bargain to keep this off your record.
Answered on Dec 24th, 2012 at 4:13 AM
Speeding & Traffic Ticket Attorney serving Sherman Oaks, CA
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Law Offices of Phil Hache
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Assuming what you allegedly took was from a store, you will likely be charged with a petty theft. What court is your matter in? The penalty for a petty theft can very greatly. Also, there can be immigration issues as well since petty theft is considered a crime of moral turpitude.
Answered on Dec 24th, 2012 at 4:08 AM
Michael J. Breczinski
Hopefully you will be able to work it out where you have no record. First of all a record of this type would be permanent. What employer wants to hire a thief? Second if you are not a citizen this could impact on whether the government lets you stay here.
Answered on Dec 23rd, 2012 at 7:28 PM
Petty theft is a crime of moral turpitude and if convicted, you can kiss your graduate school / career aspirations goodbye. You better hire an attorney before you do something you will regret for life.
Answered on Dec 23rd, 2012 at 6:44 PM
Gary Moore
You need to avoid a conviction for theft because you will lose your job.
Answered on Dec 21st, 2012 at 2:32 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Columbus, OH
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Law Office of Thomas F. Hayes
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In Ohio it is a first degree Misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a thousand dollar fine. There are some diversion programs you can enter into that if completed the case will be dismissed without a conviction. It depends on where you are charged.
Answered on Dec 21st, 2012 at 12:27 PM
Divorce & Separation Attorney serving Baton Rouge, LA
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George E. Downing, Jr. Attorney at Law
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Possible penalty is up to $500 fine and up to six months jail. However, expect pre trial intervention and no jail.
Answered on Dec 21st, 2012 at 12:26 PM